Frank Schiazza is 13 albums into a career that in a different era would have him a staple on FM Radio. but right now is grab as grab can. I became aware of th gifted soulman and musical dilettante when he was playing with the Possessions, a real good blue eyed soul band with a great chick singer.
The Brooklyn musician read my review of the band and sent me his just released new album Following Through which finds Frank at the point in his career where he is pushing himself out of his comfort zone. A great guitarist, he makes the piano his lead instrument on this album which at its best is remarkable and at its worst isn't.
"Right Time For Everything" and "Where You Used To Be" are songs of the first order. The former the definition of sweet soul music, whereas infinite multitracking has dissipated our ability to hear the greatness in songs elsewhere; this s simple, very clever soul music with a lean piano solo. Just as good is "Where You Used To Be" is a full on ballad; and deeply felt song.
So what's not to like? "Love Jam" might work in a different context, but the 10 minute smooth jazz workout is displaced and a drag on Forever Changes. If this was a different musician it wouldn't matter (just skip it) ) but when you think as hard in terms of themes as Frank does, it distracts from the album's overall feel.
Still, the hits just keep coming on this album. "Lovelight" sounds Steely Dan-y, "Like You're Watching", a perfect piano ballad, is Elton John meets Gregg Allman plus a lovely saxophone. Frank's vocal has a rasp underneath it doesn't have on other songs.
Schiazza is a real talent and it is an indictment of the music business that it is so hard to place him in the mainstream. Still, as long as the Brooklyn native remains a cult fave, make it a cult you belong to.
Grade: A-